US Youth Soccer announces partnership extension with the National Guard through 2014

FRISCO, Texas(Jan. 15, 2014) – US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the nation, is pleased to announce their renewed partnership with the Army National Guard. Under the new agreement the partnership will extend through 2014, and will once again welcome the Army National Guard as “The Official Military Branch of US Youth Soccer.”

The National Guard will again be the presenting sponsor of the US Youth Soccer National Championships, July 22-27 in Germantown, Md. The 2014 National Championships are the culmination of a series of events which involves more than 10,000 teams, and will crown 14 national champions in the Under-13 through Under-19 age groups for boys and girls. The National Guard will also be the title sponsor of the “Best 11,” awarded to each age group at the National Championships.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to continue working with the National Guard,” said US Youth Soccer President John Sutter. “Our successful sponsorship last year empowered our players and coaches to follow the Guard’s characteristics of guidance and strength in addition to providing some great benefits to players seeking to improve their skills and collegiate opportunities.”

US Youth Soccer will also provide National Guard representatives opportunities to engage with players at select clinics throughout the country. At no cost, players will have the chance to receive exposure to college coaches, and be informed on the Grassroots Soccer (GRS) program created to inform and educate high school-aged soccer players, their parents, club coaches, and high school and college coaches on the benefits of how joining the Guard can assist them with reaching their goals.

The National Guard will be on-site at US Youth Soccer National League events and this week’s Workshop in Philadelphia in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention.

"The Army National Guard is pleased to work with US Youth Soccer again and to have the honor of presenting the 2014 US Youth Soccer National Championships, which truly showcase the strength and incredible talent of the nation’s finest athletes,” said Master Sgt. Shawn Stone, program manager for the National Guard’s Grassroots Soccer program. “This renewed partnership allows the National Guard to reach players and inform them about benefits and opportunities for their futures.”

The National Guard is the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces. During local emergencies, Guard units assist residents endangered by storms, floods, fires and other disasters. The incredible versatility of the National Guard enables its troops to respond to domestic emergencies, combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more—all with equal speed, strength and efficiency.

About US Youth Soccer - US Youth Soccer-The Game for ALL Kids!® is the largest youth sports organization in the United States and a member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, in 55 member state associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

About the National Guard - The National Guard serves both state and federal governments. While Guard units are combat-trained and can be deployed overseas, they likely serve in their home communities—training just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year. Whether the call is coming from the state governor or directly from the president of the United States, Guard Soldiers are always ready and always there.